On the Ice (2012)

64% of critics liked it
(14 reviews)
78% of users liked it
(605 ratings)

Shot entirely on location in Barrow, Alaska, On The Ice is the engrossing and suspenseful feature film debut by filmmaker Andrew Okpeaha MacLean about two teenage boys who have grown up like brothers go about their lives in the comfortable claustrophobia of an isolated Alaskan town. Early one… More Shot entirely on location in Barrow, Alaska, On The Ice is the engrossing and suspenseful feature film debut by filmmaker Andrew Okpeaha MacLean about two teenage boys who have grown up like brothers go about their lives in the comfortable claustrophobia of an isolated Alaskan town. Early one morning, on a seal hunt with another teenager, an argument between the three boys quickly escalates into a tragic accident. Bonded by their dark secret, the two best friends are forced to create one fabrication after another in order to survive. The shocked boys stumble through guilt-fueled days, avoiding the suspicions of their community as they weave a web of deceit. With their future in the balance, the two boys are forced to explore the limits of friendship and honor. -- (C) Official Site

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 36 min.
Directed By: Andrew Okpeaha MacLean
Written By: Andrew Okpeaha MacLean
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Drama

In Theaters: Feb 17, 2012 Limited
Studio: PMK-BNC Films

Critic Reviews

Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic
The effect is stunningly effective, submerging us in a snowy, frozen, barren land with few options but plenty of opportunities for trouble. It is an offbeat gem.
Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times
An authentic look at life in remote Alaska (the film was shot with a native cast in MacLean's hometown of Barrow) and at a people grappling with drugs, alcoholism, poverty and the limits of an unforgiving environment.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
If only because of the setting, this is an uncommonly involving thriller. I could call it a film noir, except that the sun never sets in the film.
Sara Stewart, New York Post
Unfortunately, the emotional landscape of MacLean's stoic main character, Qalli, is often as blank as the tundra.
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times
While Mr. Irelan and a few of the supporting players have some solid moments (the entire cast consists of nonprofessionals), the general vibe is too stilted to convince.
John Anderson, Wall Street Journal
A sturdy vehicle for unadorned morality and pragmatic justice.
Chris Fyvie, The Skinny
Set in a remote Alaskan village, the film's great strength is making the landscape utterly extraordinary to the audience but painfully mundane to its protagonists.
Marshall Fine, Hollywood & Fine
Stark, unadorned, timeless and yet of the moment. Wear your mittens.
Alison Willmore, AV Club
The film is as much a portrait of a place as it is a narrative, and cinematographer Lol Crawley shoots the white-on-white polar expanses like they're vistas stretching to the ends of the earth...
David Fear, Time Out New York
While MacLean certainly has a keen eye, the rest of his storytelling facilities haven't quite caught up with it yet.
Kenji Fujishima, Slant Magazine
DP Lol Crawley's best efforts can't quite overcome the rather awkward performances of the film's mostly nonprofessional cast.

Read all 11 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Carlos M

An Alaskan thriller that benefits from its locations and cinematography, efficiently exploring the white vastness of the snow and the atmosphere of isolation. However, the amateurish actors put in weak, irregular performances, while the unoriginal script does not offer any surprises.